Life At Its Best: Good things come to those who wait

Moving into a new place is exciting. It creates anticipation for the new experiences ahead.

But along with that anticipation often comes many questions. I found this out years ago, when we were building our first house.

Almost every day after work, I'd drive out to our land and evaluate the progress. As soon as I got home, the questions would start.

Each day, my kids wanted to know more and more about the house. They began to grow frustrated when they realized that I wasn't spilling all the facts. They didn't understand why I was keeping details from them, so I sat them down and explained.

I told them that my purpose in not explaining every part of the house in depth wasn't to be mean or exclusive; it was because I knew how much they'd enjoy what was waiting for them, and I didn't want anything to spoil the surprise.

The other day, I thought about this story in relation to heaven, which is meant to one day be our permanent home. As God's kids, we often have questions about this place He's prepared for us, some which remain unanswered. This can be frustrating, but we must remember that God always has our best interest in mind.

He knows the unexplainable joy heaven is going to bring. And like every good father, He doesn't want to spoil His surprise.

Even though all questions aren't answered, God does give us some clues about what heaven is like. For instance, I've often heard people ask if those in heaven can see us down here on Earth.

Hebrews 12:1 answers that question when it says, "Since we stand surrounded by all those who have gone before . let us drop every extra weight . and let us run with endurance the long race set before us."

For those of us who have lost loved ones, this is a pretty exciting thought. God has promised us not only that we'll get to see our loved ones in heaven, but also that they can see us, even while we're on earth. They're watching how we run our individual race. They see every battle and obstacle we overcome. We can be encouraged knowing they're cheering us on every step of the way.

Another question I've often heard is how to know if a loved one who has passed is in heaven. This was a question I asked myself after losing both my parents and my brother.

Thankfully, God gives us a clear answer in His word. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

Our salvation isn't something that's earned by good deeds. It's not something to be achieved. Rather, it's a gift that can be freely received because of Christ's sacrifice. Receiving that gift requires believing in who Jesus is. We must live convinced of His reality. When we do, He promises us an eternity in Heaven with Him.

While on earth, we won't know all the details of Heaven, but don't live discouraged. Instead, live excited knowing that your heavenly Father has prepared an amazing place waiting for you.

Jim Graff is the senior pastor of Faith Family Church in Victoria. faithfamilyvictoria.com.